Sunderland is preparing to host BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend at Herrington Country Park in Tyne and Wear from Friday 22 May to Sunday 24 May 2026. The festival is expected to draw around 80,000 music fans over the three days, according to the BBC.
Sunderland City Council says the event will provide a multi‑million‑pound boost to the local economy. (Previous host cities have seen figures used as benchmarks — for example, Luton’s Big Weekend was reported to have delivered around £7 million to the local economy — but the council itself describes Sunderland’s benefit as ‘multi‑million‑pound’ in its announcement.) Full ticketing information is expected to be announced in March 2026. The BBC usually operates a postcode‑priority booking system for Big Weekend (local ‘pots’ that give priority to people living in and around the host city); the BBC and Sunderland City Council will publish the exact booking arrangements when they confirm ticket details.
Local residents should expect travel disruptions and traffic management around Herrington Country Park during the festival; specific road closures and travel advice will be published by Sunderland City Council nearer the event. Information from the BBC Media Centre says around 100 acts will perform across multiple stages at the park.
Cllr Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said the festival is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the city’s vibrant music scene and events offer. The 2026 Big Weekend marks the first time the event has returned to Herrington Country Park since 2005 and will form a key part of Sunderland’s Year of Music celebrations (2025–2026).
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